Elastic strap with reinforced bifurcated ends



Feb. 11, 1958 M. H. BROWN ETAL- 2,823,155

ELASTIC STRAP WITH REINFORCED BIFURCATED ENDS Filed May 8, 1956 FIG. I

INVENTORS. MAURICE H- BROWN HOWARD R. BROWN BYW i Z W $1??? ELASTIC STRAP WITH REINFORCED BIFURCATED ENDS Maurice H. Brown and Howard R. Brown, North Baltimore, Ohio, assignors to The D. S. Brown Company, North Baltimore, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application May 8, 1956, Serial N 0. 583,423

4 Claims. (Cl. 154--43) This invention relates to an elastic strap and the manufacture thereof, and particularly, to a continuous elastomer strip having reinforced bifurcated or split ends for fastening the strap.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application, Serial No. 467,600 filed November 8, 1954, now Patent No. 2,751,884, and the disclosure of the latter application is incorporated herein and made a part hereof by reference as fully as if it were set forth herein in its entirely.

Various types of elastic straps have been employed in the past, and they commonly are constructed of rubber strands woven with a fiber in a strip of fabric or the like. These and other straps are lacking in certain desired features and suffer from some disadvantages, however. Thus, the fabric straps may be stretched but to a limited extent depending upon the type of weave, owing to the inelastic nature of the fibers. The fibers are commonly porous and absorbent, so that they become dirty and absorb moisture, which poses sanitary and other problems. The fibers fray and break, and the strap has edges or corners which are sources of irritation and tend to become worn. The straps do not have the smooth surfaces desired in certain applications, and they may be somewhat bulky.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an elastic strap which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior articles and possesses a number of desirable features.

An important object is to provide an elastic strap which is constructed of a continuous elastomer strip and which is reinforced at its opposite ends for securing the strap in fastened position. The strap is especially advantageous in being substantially impermeable to moisture and foreign matter, so that it readily may be completely cleansed and sanitized.

An additional object is to provide a freely flexible elastic strap in which the elastic portion may be stretched considerably if desired, being limited only by the nature ofthe elastic material.

A further object is to provide an elastic strap which is rounded and smooth, avoiding irritation and wear, and functioning as well when twisted or turned.

Another object is to provide a reinforced elastic strap of a continuous elastomer strip having end portions for fastening which are reinforced for securing the strap in position by various means without pulling free or tearing.

Anadditional object is to provide a unitary elastic strap which is very simple and yet is quite useful and versatile.

A further object is to provide a method of manufachiring an elastic strap of the class described, particularly, 'a simple and economical method adapted for quantity production.

7 A still further objectis to provide apparatusfor manufacturing the elastic strap, and especially, simple and 7 nited States Patent Q 2,823,155 Patented Feb. 11, 1958 2. easily operated apparatus constructed of but several parts, for producing a strap in a single operation. These and other objects, advantages and functions of the invention will be apparent on reference to the specification and to the attached drawings, in which like parts are identified by like reference characters in each of the views and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic strap of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a turkey saddle or the like, including two of the elastic straps fixed thereon;

Figures 3, 4 and 5 are longitudinal sections through one end of the elastic strap illustrating several methods of fastening the strap to a fabric member, such as' the body of the turkey saddle of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a partial plan view of mold apparatus for manufacturing the strap, with a top mold section removed to reveal part of the mold cavity; and

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 6 with a part broken away to reveal the interior in section.

According to the invention, a reinforced elastic strap is provided which is constructed of an continuous elastomer strip having bifurcated or split opposite ends, and woven fabric embedded in the bifurcations of each of the ends. The continuous elastomer strip preferably includes an elongated cylindrical elastic thong and enlarged flat bifurcated opposite ends. The fabric is preferably vulcanized to the bifurcations over the inner surfaces of the ends.

The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the reinforced elastic strap, and apparatus is provided which includes split mold sections and mandrils therebetween, the mold sections and the mandrils clamping therebetween strips of fabric serving to reinforce the ends of the strap.

Referring to the drawings, a reinforced elastic strap or band as illustrated at 1 constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, and it constitutes a continuous elastomer strip having a central elongated narrow cylindrical elastic thong 2 and bifurcated or split integral opposite ends 3 which are continuations of the thong. The longitudinal axis of the strap is normally a straight line, but the strap is freely flexible and may be bent or turned and secured in any position and contour.

The entire exposed surface of the strip 1 is composed of elastomer and is substantially smooth and non-porous. Embedded in the inner surface 4 of each end 3 throughout the surface is a continuous strip of woven fabric 5. Each of the ends 3 of the strap 1 is composed of two enlarged or relatively wide flat bifurcations or branches 6, in which the fabric 5 is embedded and which serve as fastening tabs or flaps, embracing the object to which the strap is secured. The ends open in opposite directions, and the openings normally lie in the same planes. However, the ends 3 may be twisted or turned to be fastened in any position relative to each other, and the cylindrical shape and elastic nature of the thong 2 is completely adaptable to such location of the ends. The thickness of the ends 3, or the combined thickness of the bifurcations 6, is about the same as the'diar'neteiof the thong 2.

.The elastomer from which the strap is constructed may be one of various materials, preferably asynthetic rubber which is resistant to oxidation. Neoprene, or poly-chloroprene, is eminently suitable, being resistant to agingby virtue of superior resistance to air and light. Other elastomers which may be used include isobutylene, butadiene, and isoprene polymers, such as the Buna rubbers and Butylrubber... I The woven fabric 5 r n ay' bejany suitable textile fabric of staple spun fiber, orcon'tinuous filament, such as cotton or other cloth, which possesses a porous structure due to its nature or a relatively loose weave, whereby it is securely embedded in the elastomer on the inner surface 4 of the ends 3 of the strap. The fabric is embedded in and bonded to the ends of the preferred strap by vulcanization or the like.

In the invention, the reinforced elastic strap 1 is manufactured very simply and effectively by providing a mold such as 7 (Figure 7), having an elongated mold cavity '8 corresponding to or having the size and contour of the strap and a mandril 9 dividing each end of the cavity into bifurcations or forked cavities 161. The mold cavity 8 is enlarged or widened both transversely and in elevation, to provide the enlargement required for molding the enlarged ends 3 and bifurcations 6 of the elastic strap and for permitting the insertion of the mandril 9 into each end of the cavity to furnish the desired molded shape. The inner face 11 of the mandril is V-shaped or the like with plane sides facing the mold cavity 8, for molding ends 3 of the strap 1 generally in the form of a channel of V or U-shape at each end. In this manner, the bifurcations 6 of the strap form a channel or seat 6a for insertion of the member to which the strap is attached, after which the bifurcations are fastened to the inserted member.

The mold 7 includes complementary split mold sections 12 and 13, which form therebetween the mold cavity 8 and which clamp or secure the mandrils 9 between them in respective transverse recesses 14 and 15 having contours or profiles corresponding to the mandrils 9. In manufacturing the elastic strap 1, a strip of woven fabric a is fixed on the face 11 of the mandril and in the bifurcations 19 of the mold cavity 8, by seating the fabric strip on the mandril face and then emplacing the split mold sections 12 and 13 so as to clamp the fabric strip 51: between the mandril and the mold sections. It will be noted that the mandrils extend with the mold sections laterally from the mold cavity 8, so that one strip 5a may be placed on the face 11 of a mandril and extend transversely for the breadth of the mold, presenting a series of portions of the fabric strip 5a to a spaced parallel series of mold cavities 8. The remainder of such mold cavities arranged in parallel, for manufacturing a plurality of elastic straps in one operation, are not illustrated, since their arrangement is the same.

With the strip of woven fabric 5a fixed in position, the mold cavity 8 is filled with plastic elastomer such as semi-fluid or highly viscous neoprene, through an injec tion sprue 16 formed in and between the split mold sections 12 and 13 and communicating through a small opening with the strap mold cavity 8. The mold cavity, including the bifurcations 10, is filled with the elastomer under pressure and it penetrates, impregnates and covers the fabric strip 5a, so that the strip is immersed in the elastomer.

The elastomer under pressure is then vulcanized, such as by the application of heat to the mold 7, to produce the reinforced elastic strap 1 having the continuous strip of fabric 5 embedded in the inner surface of the strap ends or pendants 3 and the bifurcations 6 thereof. Owing to the porous nature of the fabric, the inner surface 4 of the strap ends exhibits an elastomer face which is slightly grained due to the fabric at the surface but is substantially planar. This surface is also substantially impervious to fluids and foreign matter owing to the presence of the elastomer. The reinforced strap then has the properties of vulcanized elastomer reinforced at the ends by fabric. Reference to vulcanization or the vulcanized article is intended to embrace the equivalent curing operations and cured elastomer products, providing the elastic, tensile, temperature resistance and other properties associated with vulcanized articles.

The manufacture of the reinforced elastic strap is completedby separating the split mold sections 12 and'13,

4 removing the straps and severing them from the adjacent portions of the fabric strip 5a which were clamped between the mandril and the mold sections. The strap then has the appearance illustrated in Figure 1.

One important utility of the reinforced elastic strap 1 is illustrated in Figures 25, which show the assembly of the straps in a turkey saddle 17 or the like, where the straps serve as wing bands. The turkey saddle 17 is composed of a disk-like sheet 18 of woven fabric such as cotton duck having a circumferentially stitched reverted hem or reinforcement 19. Stitched fabric ribs or toe straps 20 extend longitudinally and centrally of the saddle, corresponding approximately to the back of a turkey upon which the saddle is placed. An additional semi-circular fabric rib or toe strap 21 is stitched onto the upper surface of the sheet 18, to provide longitudinal side rib or toe strap portions 22 and a rear transverse toe strap portion 23 at the end of the saddle corresponding to the tail of the bird. The longitudinal portions 22 of the semi-circular strap are spaced to correspond to the sides of the turkey adjacent the wings.

The saddle is placed on a bird by inserting one wing through each wing band, being a reinforced elastic strap 1 according to the invention. The elastic strap is stretched sufficiently to permit insertion of a Wing through a wing opening 24 between the elastic strap and the sheet or body portion 18 of the saddle. Since turkey saddles are generally known, their use need not be further described.

The reinforced elastic straps 1 are especially desirable in applications such as in the turkey saddles. They can be stretched as desired, and care need not be taken to avoid twisting them. They do not fold as do the prior flat straps, and the narrow cylindrical thong is not bulky, is smooth and does not present edges, avoiding chafing and irritation around the wing of the bird. The elastic strap assists in keeping the saddle sanitary, since it is impervious to liquids and foreign materials and can be completely washed and sterilized with various solutions, including hot liquids, caustics and detergents. The strap is impervious to body oils, excreta, dirt and the elements, and reduces the effects thereof. The strap is free of crevices and cracks in which foreign material will collect. Owing to the provision of the smooth continuous surface, there are no threads to fray or catch in the claws.

The reinforced elastic strap 1 is readily and firmly connected to the body 18 of the saddle, as illustrated in Figures 3-5. The bifurcations 6 at each end of the strap overlap and form a seat for the hem 19 of the body, and both bifurcations of the strap may be fastened by means of stitching 25 as shown in Figure 3. This construction for fastening on both sides of the body and clamping it is very advantageous for furnishing a strong and durable connection. Alternatively, the bifurcations may be vulcanized to the body 18 as illustrated in Figure 4, the numeral 26 indicating elastomer provided between the strap and the saddle body for vulcanizing the articles together in a tight sealed union. Figure 5 illustrates the fastening of the strap by means of rivets 27 which extend through the bifurcations of the strap and the body of the saddle.

The reinforcing fabric 5 embedded in the bifurcations 6 prevents the stitches, rivets or other fastening means from working through the elastomer, and forms a good base for vulcanization, thus preventing the straps from breaking away. The construction also furnishes a strong base against the pull exerted by the thong 2 of the strap when it is stretched. This strengthening and resistance to tension, and to torsion due to twisting, is increased by the provision of a flared portion 28 adjacent each end 3 of the strap, which gradually increases the width from that of the thong 2 to that of the enlarged bifurcations 6.

p The invention thus provides a new and improved reinforced elastic strap useful as illustrated above and in numerous applications where elasticity is desired. The

strap has a number of advantages and avoids prior disadvantages. It is simply and economically manufactured substantially in a single operation and in uncomplicated apparatus. The strap is characterized by its strong, reinforced, impervious, sanitary, smooth, extensible, flexible and versatile nature.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A reinforced elastic strap comprising a continuous elastomer strip including an elongated cylindrical elastic thong and enlarged open opposed flat bifurcations at opposite ends, and woven fabric embedded in the bifurcations of each of said ends.

2. A reinforced elastic strap comprising a continuous synthetic rubber strip including an elongated cylindrical elastic thong and enlarged open opposed flat bifurcations at opposite ends, and a continuous strip of porous woven fabric extending over the inner surface of each of said ends and vulcanized to the bifurcations thereof.

3. A reinforced elastic strap consisting of a smooth molded continuous vulcanized polychloroprene strip including an elongated cylindrical elastic thong and enlarged open opposed flat bIIHICaIiOIISat opposite ends, and a continuous strip of porous woven fabric vulcanized to each of said ends throughout the inner surface thereof.

4. A reinforced elastic wing band for attachment to a turkey saddle or the like comprising a continuous elastomer strip including an elongated cylindrical elastic thong and enlarged open opposed flat bifurcations at opposite ends, and a strip of woven fabric extending over the inner surface of each of said ends and vulcanized to the bifurcations thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 501,272 Gutmann July 11, 1893 1,705,790 Tallman Mar. 19, 1929 1,781,651 Burkley et al. Nov. 11, 1930 2,077,752 Frissell Apr. 20, 1937 2,146,415 Bradley Feb. 7, 1939 2,456,162 Waterbury Dec. 14, 1948 2,726,923 Schleich Dec. 13, 1955 

1. A REINFORCED ELASTIC STRAP COMPISING A CONTINUOUS ELASTOMER STRIP INCLUDING AN ELONGATED CYLINDRICAL ELASTIC THONG AND ENLARGED OPEN OPPOSED FLAT BIFURCATIONS AT OPPOSITE ENDS, AND WOVEN FABRIC EMBEDDED IN THE BIFURCATIONS OF EACH OF SAID ENDS. 